The Brain
Enduring Understanding: The brain is the control center of the
body. The numerous sections of the brain carry out specific tasks
that function in maintaining homeostasis.
Essential Questions: What are the major parts of the brain?
SC.912.L.14.26 : Identify the major parts of the brain on diagrams or models.
Bellwork
 Examine the diagrams below. Do you think this is a
survivable injury? Why or why not? Please explain.
External Features of the Brain
Cerebral
hemispheres
Cerebellum
Brainstem
Structure
Function
Largest part of the brain. Large
paired structures, divided into
left and right hemispheres
Carries out higher thought processes
involved with language, learning,
memory, and voluntary body
movements
Means “little brain”
Smaller structure under the
base at the back of the brain
Extending from the base of the
brain; this continues into the
spinal cord, made up of the pons
and medulla oblongata
Responsible for balance and
coordination
Relays signals between the brain and
spinal cord
External Features of the Brain
Cerebrum
Brain stem
Cerebellum
The Brain Stem
Brain Stem
Region
Structure
Function
Pons
Top region of the brain stem
Relays signals between cerebrum and
cerebellum.
Helps control breathing rate
Medulla Oblongata
Beneath the pons, lower portion of the
brainstem.
Connects to the spinal cord.
Relays signals between the brain and the
spinal cord.
helps control blood pressure, heart
rate, and breathing rate.
Brain stem
What does the light blue shaded organ
refer to in the below diagram?
 Cerebrum
 Medulla oblongata
 Pons
 Spinal cord
 Cerebellum
What does the green shaded organ
refer to in the below diagram?
 Cerebrum
 Medulla oblongata
 Pons
 Spinal cord
 Cerebellum
Lobes of the Brain
Structure
Function and other notes
Frontal lobe
conscious thought, behavior, emotion, planning, personality, organizing, problem
solving. Most uniquely human of all the brain structures. Front of the brain
Parietal lobe
Integrations of sensory information from primary sensory areas  perception,
arithmetic, spelling, manipulation of objects. Middle top of the brain.
Temporal lobe
Senses of smell and sound, as well as processing of complex stimuli like faces and
scenes, memory, understanding language. Temple region.
Occipital lobe
Sense of sight
Extreme back of the brain
Based on the diagram, damage to which of the
following lobes would result in hallucinations?
 Frontal
 Parietal
 Temporal
 Occipital
Based on the diagram, damage to which of the
following lobes would result in mood changes and/or
social differences?
 Frontal
 Parietal
 Temporal
 Occipital
So did this man survive?
YES!
You’ll learn more about Phineas Gage’s chilling tale
is for homework tonight!
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm031024
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrULrWRlGBA
Brain Cap Activity: Step 1
 Mark the lobes we discussed on your cap with a permanent marker.
Be sure to include the cerebellum.
Brain Cap Activity: Step 2
 Map the functional areas as seen in the diagram below with different colored permanent
markers. The brain is both anatomically and functionally segregated. Different function
are located in particular regions of each lobe.
Brain Cap Activity: Step 3
 Wear and share!
 Extra credit for students who teach their parent or friend about
the brain and then email me a picture of them wearing your cap!